The Centre for Non-Machines Research invites applications for its residencies programme. The Simple Humans call runs from December 2026 through May 2027. Deadline October 31st.
Simple Humans are people who raise questions, remain open to knowledge and learning, stay receptive to change, and develop practical and philosophical responses to the world around them. Their practices might explore relationships among living organisms, machines, and the wider environment.
At the Centre for Non-Machines Research, we are interested in practices that engage with what is not yet integrated into machine networks — actors, tools, relations, and forms of knowledge that remain beyond continuous digital mediation.
We welcome proposals that engage with questions such as:
- How does life unfold beyond computational paradigms?
- What forms of knowledge arise through feedback loops between organic and inorganic materials?
- How can artistic practice interact with human and non-human actors?
Residency Format
Residencies last a minimum of one month and a maximum of two months, preferably allowing time across both sites: Athens 9 and Livanates (Greece).
Applicants may indicate preferred dates between December 2026 and May 2027.
Residents may work individually or in pairs (maximum two participants per residency).
Locations
Arkesinis 9 (Athens)
A compound of two small houses with bedrooms, studio spaces (library and workshop), and a shared yard with fruit trees and roof terraces. The space supports flexible use: living, working, exhibiting, and small gatherings. A DIY biolab setup and experimental toolkits are available. Located approximately 6 km from the Acropolis, the site combines urban proximity with a semi-enclosed garden ecosystem.
Livanates (38.7100738,23.0602989)
A 90 m² apartment with two bedrooms, a large shared studio, and terraces facing east and west, located 100 m from the sea. A nearby field with olive and pomegranate trees (approx. 2 km away) offers additional space for outdoor and site-responsive work.
Working Environment
Non-Machines Residencies emphasize the use of reused, repurposed, and locally sourced materials, often gathered from immediate surroundings or waste streams. The residencies encourage processes shaped through interaction — with other residents, local communities, and non-human organisms.
What We Offer
- Accommodation and workspace
- Access to shared tools, DIY biolab, and toolkits available on the sites
- A context for experimental, process-based work
- Possibility for informal public sharing (open studio, talk, or action)
Costs & Funding
The Arkesinis 9 residency fee is €500 per month, while the Livanates residency fee is €350 per month.
Limited funding opportunities may be available upon mutual agreement and forms of collaboration.
The Centre can provide support letters for external funding applications.
Expectations
Residents are invited to:
- Develop their research during the stay
- Engage with the site and its ecosystems
- Share their process in a public or semi-public format
Application Requirements
Please submit:
- Project proposal (max. 500 words)
- Portfolio (PDF or links)
- Short bio (max. 150 words)
- Preferred dates and duration (1–2 months)
Deadline: 31 October 2026
Notification: 10 November 2026
Applications should be sent to: info@non-machines.eu
Non-Machines Residencies encourage applications from diverse backgrounds and disciplines. We are particularly interested in practices engaging with care, ecology, posthuman perspectives, public space, and alternative forms of knowledge production.
Photo: Veiko Liis